GUANGZHOU - Qiu Zhennian's life has been greatly improved since he opened a small restaurant near a greenway in Zengcheng city, Guangdong province, last May.

"A growing number of people have visited the restaurant," Qiu said. "I had never dreamed of running such a business in the village."

Prior to opening the restaurant, the 65-year-old farmer had relied on raising geese in Liantang village, which is now surrounded by a greenway.

The greenway is part of the 2,372-km greenway network built in Guangdong last year.

"The local government encouraged villagers to start businesses, such as restaurants, after the greenway was built by providing tax-free policies. So, I decided to follow the trend," Qiu said.

At least 20 families in the village have opened restaurants near the greenway, according to Qiu.

"The restaurant earns at least 15,000 yuan ($2,300) per month," he said. "I am planning to buy a car this year."

In Zengcheng, the local government has attached great importance to helping farmers benefit from the 1,690 km of greenways built in the city.

"The greenways provide an ideal place for outdoor activities, such as running, cycling and hiking and will, in return, help generate economic benefit for local farmers," said Wu Weidong, deputy mayor of Zengcheng.

The greenways in Zengcheng were mainly built in suburbs, connecting farmlands, gardens and scenic sites, sources with the local housing and urban-rural development authority said.

Citing a recent survey that showed the economic growth in villages adjacent to greenways was 50 percent higher than in others, Wu said the city will build 60 km of additional greenways in urban areas this year.